WOUND CARE & LYMPHEDEMA

Each nurse was in charge of a section of patients. She interacted with the surgical team that rounded on the patients each morning, then cleaned and dressed the wounds for the patients. We knew these nurses were smart and many of them were very motivated to learn and grow. When we presented them with the challenge of learning bedside sharp debridement, many of them eagerly stepped up.”

-HVO Wound Care Volunteer, 2014

READY TO VOLUNTEER?

There are multiple steps to the placement process and often more than one approval is required. The process varies slightly from country-to-country and project-to-project. We strive to make this process as quick as possible but potential volunteers should be aware that final approval can take several months.

A NOTE ABOUT HVO’S WOUND CARE & LYMPHEDEMA PROGRAM

Active or retired physicians, podiatrists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and researchers specialized in wound care and lymphedema management are needed. Qualified volunteers are health care professionals who are involved in providing advanced, evidence-based wound care including edema/lymphedema management and are working with wounds in an academic setting, a clinical practice in any setting, wound research, or infection control. Previous clinical or academic teaching experience is preferred but not required. Clinicians must have a current professional license. Additional requirements provided by HVO. HVO’s Wound & Lymphedema Management Projects are a partnership with the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) and its global initiative, the AAWC Global Alliance. AAWC members are eligible for the AAWC Travel grant to help offset the cost of volunteering at HVO project sites. Visit the fellowship & funding page for more information.

ACTIVE PROJECTS

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope
Volunteers teach basic and advanced wound and lymphedema care, with both basic and advanced supplies. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work with the municipal hospital and the leprosy center. Activities may include providing lectures, participating in rounds, conducting prevalence studies, and assisting in the development of patient education materials.

Siem Reap, Cambodia – Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC)
Volunteers train physicians and nurses to improve the quality of care provided, as well as increase their ability to offer wound & lymphedema care training to local facilities. Patient and family education in wound management is also a priority of AHC. Volunteers participate in protocol development and implementation, teaching modules, and leading workshops for hospital staff and for family home care. Training will occur in clinical and classroom settings.

Deschapelles, Haiti – Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS)
Volunteers provide basic wound care training to the nursing staff at HAS. Physicians and Physical Therapists are integrated into the training based on the volunteer’s specialty and area of training. Volunteers will be sent in teams of two, twice a year between January and March and again in July to September.

Companions: Not suitable for companion/spouse; not suitable for children

Raxaul, India – Duncan Hospital
Volunteers provide wound care training to physicians, nurses, and other relevant staff at Duncan Hospital through an interdisciplinary training model. Training and education will be provided through a variety of means including lecture, hands on demonstrations, case studies, and participation in ground rounds with both physicians and nurses.